The Problem:

Have you ever experienced the not-so-strange phenomenon of being vastly different from your other family members but still being expected to fit in and all get along and be happy?

Surely not you too???

Well, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been the square peg in my family. One sister, my brother, and my mother are three peas in a pod – they stick together through hell or high water. And that would normally be a very good thing…unless someone not like them – – LIKE ME – – has an opinion that they disagree with. Then I AM WRONG!! No ifs, ands, or buts about it. And not only am I wrong, I am WRONG AND MEAN! MEAN, MEAN, MEAN!

And the other sister is just totally out there – – WAY OUT THERE. My thinking is so totally different from hers, I guess it was a miracle, or a major genetic mistake that we’re in the same species, much less the same family.

The Issue:

Well, how is this to be handled? I’m not normally one to observe, then just sit back and shut up. If I see something that doesn’t make sense, or isn’t right, or isn’t fair, I’m going to say something about it. And of course if it involves one of the three peas, or the satellite orbitting in the far reaches of space, then I’m in big trouble.

Shouldn’t anything ever be said about honesty? After all, I AM the oldest. Isn’t that my job?

The Solution:

Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not sure there is a solution. I guess one way to fix it would be to stay away from family functions. Or I guess I could just always keep my mouth shut (probably an impossibility). So, how can this be dealt with?

I guess the only thing to do is suffer through those family get-togethers, smiling when you might not want to smile, and gritting teeth when you really want to tell someone they’re acting like a moron.